NOBLEJAS VS.

TEEHANKEE

Facts:

The Secretary of Justice transmitted to Antonio H. Noblejas, Commissioner of Land Registration a letter
requiring him to explain in writing not later than why no disciplinary action should be taken against
petitioner for “ approving or recommending approval of subdivision, consolidation and consolidated-
subdivision plans covering areas greatly in excess of the areas covered by the original title.

Noblejas answered that as he enjoyed the rank, privileges, emoluments and compensation of a Judge of
the Court of First Instance as stated in RA No. 1151, he could only be suspended and investigated in the
same manner as a Judge of the Courts of First Instance, and, therefore, the papers relative to his case
should be submitted to the Supreme court, for action thereon conformably to section 67 of the Judiciary
Act (RA NO. 296) and Revised Rule 140 of the Rules of Court.

Issue:

Whether or not the Commissioner of Land Registration may only be investigated by the Supreme Court,
in view of the conferment upon him by RA No. 1151 of the rank and privileges of a Judge of the Court of
First Instance

Held:

No. The Supreme Court held that if the Legislature had really intended to include in the general grant of
“privileges” or “rank and privileges of Judges of the Court of First Instance” the right to be investigate by
the Supreme Court, and to be suspended or remove only upon recommendation of Supreme Court, then
such grant of privileges would be unconstitutional, since it would violate the fundamental doctrine of
separation of powers, by charging the Court with the administrative function of supervisory control over
executive officials.

Applying the principle of statutory construction that statutes should be given, whenever possible, a
meaning that will not bring them in conflict with the Constitution, the grant of RA 1151 of such privileges
do not include, and was not intend to include, the right to demand investigation by the Supreme Court,
and to be suspended or removed only upon the Court’s recommendation.